Granite United Way Launches Third Cycle of Responsive Funding Request for Proposals

New Hampshire and Windsor County, Vermont – Granite United Way is launching its third responsive grant funding process this month. Requests for Proposals will launch on Monday, June 23, 2025. Aligning with its Strategic Plan, Granite United Way now offers nonprofits an opportunity to access responsive funding three times per year with grants ranging from $1,000 - $10,000 each cycle. “We have seen an unprecedented number of applicants during Granite United Way’s first two rounds of responsive grant funding. Many of these nonprofits were first-time applicants,” said Nichole Martin Reimer, President and CEO of Granite United Way. “With uncertainties in funding in the current climate, we know these grants are making an immediate and necessary impact for nonprofits across all 7 of our regions.” Certified 501(c)3 organizations, or organizations with a fiscal sponsor, can apply for qualification status and apply for funding in all each of the regions Granite United Way serves. “Our local Community Impact Committee (CIC) members are committed to supporting the most pressing needs of our community,” said Scoop Welch, Senior Vice President of Corporate Impact at Granite United Way. “These volunteers have an opportunity to see the impact their decisions are making in real time.” Granite United Way introduced this new funding model in the fall of 2024. “Granite United Way is uniquely positioned to address immediate needs across our community,” said Reimer. “With the support of our Board of Directors we were able to pivot to this model and ensure our nonprofit partners are able to navigate through difficult times.”
The timeline for the process:
Ongoing: Request for Qualification (RFQ) The RFQ is always available and must be completed before
accessing the RFP.
June 23, 2025: Request for Proposals (RFP) for the third of three funding cycles opens with a link to this portal
on graniteuw.org.
July 18, 2025: Request for Proposals closes.
July 21 – Aug 14, 2025: Local Community Impact Committee volunteers review proposals.
September 2025: Decisions on funding are made, and payment is distributed.
This year Granite United Way will be offering technical assistance to organizations throughout the process. Those interested in more information regarding these sessions should email rfp@graniteuw.org for access information.

“The Granite United Way grant made a meaningful impact on Grafton County Senior Citizens Council by helping us meet urgent needs and continue delivering our services when and where it's needed most. Responsive grants like these are vital, they allow us to adapt quickly, fill critical service gaps, and ensure that older adults across Grafton County remain connected, supported, and cared for.” said James Carroll, Grafton County Senior Citizen Council.
“Every day, we are seeing more and more neighbors in the Upper Valley who need assistance with food, clothing, housing, heat and utilities, and other essentials. The generous grant we received from the Granite United Way this spring—along with support from community members and other partners—allows us to respond to this increasing need and sustain critical programs like Heating Helpers. The grant also demonstrates a commitment that inspires other donors to give. Thank you.” said Kristi Lenart-Rikert, Executive Director, LISTEN Community Services. “As a member of the Community Impact Committee, I had a chance to see the immediate – and very real – needs across our community. Granite United Way is leading the effort to address many of these and bring resources to critical programs and services,” said Jessica Ruel, AVP Branch & Business Development Manager, MVSB.
For comprehensive information on this process and how to apply, visit www.graniteuw.org.

Granite United Way
Granite United Way is an experienced and trusted organization dedicated to leveraging the resources of investors and
volunteers to create lasting change by addressing the underlying causes of our community’s most pressing needs.  United Way’s purpose is to convene public, private, and governmental leaders and resources to tackle the largest, most pressing issues facing our community. Granite United Way fights for the education, health and financial stability of everyone in every community. Each year, 1 in 3 residents of New Hampshire and Windsor County, Vermont engages with Granite United Way as a donor, volunteer or beneficiary of a United Way-funded program. Granite United Way, the merger of 7 local United Ways, mobilizes the power of 22,000 donors and volunteers to provide more than $18 million in support to over 450,000 individuals and provides funding to more than 750 nonprofit programs. Granite United Way is rated a Platinum level participant by Candid (formerly GuideStar) and a Four-Star Rating by Charity Navigator. Granite United Way serves the Central Region, Merrimack County, Greater Seacoast Region, North Country, Northern Region, Southern Region (Manchester / Derry / Salem) and Upper Valley Regions of New Hampshire as well as Windsor County, Vermont.  For more information, visit www.graniteuw.org.

For more information, please contact:
Karrie Eaton, Vice President of Marketing & Communications
603.560.5453 (c) 
karrie.eaton@graniteuw.org